Bellini Lusaka Review: Italian Dining with Polo Field Views
We’ll be honest—Bellini wasn’t on our radar until it very much was.
You know the spot: next to Da Capo, across from the polo field (yes, Lusaka has a polo field—don’t act like you knew that), with crisp tablecloths and a crowd that looks like they have group chats titled “Paris in September?”
Bellini’s complimentary bread — so good it should come with a warning label
We went in thinking it would be cute. It turned out to be gorgeous.
The complimentary bread alone nearly derailed the evening—soft, warm, and so good we briefly discussed cancelling mains and just ordering it on repeat. Then came what we think were pulled pork tacos (delicate, flavourful, gone in minutes) and a steak that arrived exactly as ordered.
And then, the Italian job—creamy pasta that vanished in record time, plus gnocchi so soft and buttery it made us question why we even pretend to share food in public. The purple cauliflower florets were adorable, almost too pretty to eat—almost.
The whiskey sour? The kind that reminds you you’re doing better than your last situationship. Sharp. Clean. Balanced. Exactly what the day required.
The avocado starter — sculptural, flirty, and entirely too photogenic.
Let’s Talk Vibe
Bellini feels like a soft launch of the person you’ve been trying to become: someone who orders starters confidently, knows which knife to use, and makes eye contact without flinching. You don’t just eat here—you self-actualise.
We weren’t surprised to hear Glitter & Sprkle had a hand in the décor—they’ve been quietly setting the bar for Lusaka interiors for years. Moody lighting, plush chairs, and a palette that whispers rather than shouts.
Moody lighting and just the right amount of glamour — Bellini’s ambience is half the reason to book a table.
After dinner, we moved onto the terrace, where we watched a lone polo player practise against a dusky sky. The clink of cutlery, a horse trotting the field, and that just-right cocktail in hand—it all felt suspiciously like a life well-lived.
Is It a Good Date Spot? Absolutely.
A celebration spot? Yes.
A “we wore real shoes and needed to be around pretty people” spot? Without question.
The music was a little loud at first, but we suspect it gets moodier as the night goes on. Or maybe that was just the whiskey talking.
In Summary (because we know you skim when you’re hangry):
Complimentary bread deserves its own fan club.
The Italian job (pasta + gnocchi) is the whole point—don’t argue.
Purple cauliflower is now a personality trait.
Whiskey sour? Say less.
Polo field views at sunset make everything taste better.
Go. Dress up. Take someone you like. Or go alone and pretend you’re in a movie where your real life hasn’t started yet.
Book your Bellini experience: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm. Reservations essential (and kind of fun). Follow @bellini_zm for daily inspiration.
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